Culture & Arts Education Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Culture & Arts Education Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Under general supervision, lead, develop and performs tasks in the development of cultural arts programs.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
1. Conducts need assessments and recommends operating procedures for programs, services and activities.
2. Implements, monitors, evaluate, and improves programs and activities, workshops, and special events.
3. Designs and produces promotional materials. Performs routine administrative operations.
4.Develops, registers, schedules and conducts guided tours, workshops, demonstrations and other events
5. Maintains and cares for day-to-day management of facilities ,collections, exhibits, records, material assets Assists in monitoring, updating and improving the facilities, collections, and equipment. Assists colleagues in the management and care of their assigned programs.
6. Recommends purchases or deaccessions to existing collections.
7. Receives fees, issue receipts, and accounts for all money
8. Coordinates with other organizations to implement programs and activities and solicit donations.
9. Provides participants and the general public with information
10. Develops, compiles and monitors program budgets and data for reports,.
11. Orders, issues, receives, and maintains inventory of equipment and supplies

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provide general supervision of temporary employees, contract workers, and volunteers
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  
• Knowledge of cultural education programs and appropriate care of exhibit materials.
  
• Knowledge of principles and methods of and promoting products.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws and ordinances.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in using computers and software.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in related field plus one (1) year of experience in programming cultural arts programs.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to two (2) years.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing, planning, and leading TEKS aligned science education and outdoor recreation programs.
  
• Experience leading outdoor adventure programs, including risk-management and safety protocols for biking, kayaking, rock climbing, archery, caving, overnight camping, etc.
  
• Programming experience in a lead capacity with youth (ages 5-12), teens (ages 13-17), adults, families, senior citizens, and diverse populations, including experience adapting programs for individuals with special needs.
  
• Experience conceptualizing, planning, and implementing special events, including budgeting and volunteer coordination.
  
• Experience coordinating administrative details with schools and external organizations.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Intermediate level or above in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Teams and Outlook.
  
• Experience in graphic design, marketing, and social media promotions.
  
• Ability to fluently communicate (reading writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of this Culture & Arts Education Specialist position is to plan, develop, and lead School and Public Programs, including adventure activities, TEKS aligned school programs, and events, while leading staff meetings, and developing and facilitating training for new team members.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) will be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Salary:

$23.76 - $27.32 per hour.

Work Location:

Austin Nature and Science Center

301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, TX 78746

Work Hours:

Schedule varies in order to accommodate programming needs, see example

• School year: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  
• Summer: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. OR 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. This posting can close at any time after 7 days. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-09